ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A severe thunderstorm warning was issued Friday afternoon for parts of Henderson and Polk counties, with forecasters warning of 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail.

The National Weather Service in Greenville-Spartanburg issued the warning at 1:35 p.m. for southeastern Henderson County, southwestern Polk County and northeastern Greenville County in South Carolina. The warning is in effect until 2:15 p.m.

At 1:35 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located about 8 miles south of Hendersonville, or 5 miles south of Flat Rock, and was moving east at 15 mph, according to the weather service.

The storm could produce 60 mph wind gusts and quarter-size hail, according to radar.

The weather service said minor hail damage to vehicles is expected, while wind could damage trees and power lines.

The warning includes:

  • Columbus
  • Flat Rock
  • Tryon
  • Saluda
  • Tuxedo
  • North Saluda Reservoir
  • Glassy Mountain
  • Crab Creek
  • Tigerville
  • East Flat Rock

More storms developing

The severe thunderstorm warning comes as several strong storms are developing across Western North Carolina.

A separate storm near Marion was moving east at 15 mph around 1:19 p.m. and could produce wind gusts up to 50 mph and half-inch hail, according to the National Weather Service.

That storm was affecting parts of southeastern McDowell, northeastern Rutherford and southwestern Burke counties, including Marion, Morganton, Glen Alpine, Lake James State Park, Old Fort, Nebo, Thermal City, Pleasant Gardens and Glenwood.

Another strong storm was moving through southeastern Henderson and southwestern Polk counties toward northeastern Greenville County. That storm also was moving east at 15 mph and could produce wind gusts up to 50 mph and pea-size hail.

The weather service urged people outdoors to seek shelter inside a building. Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning also was occurring with storms in the region.

Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from a thunderstorm, according to the weather service.

Residents should monitor the latest weather information and be prepared for additional warnings as storms move through the region.